In today's Gospel parable, Jesus links fear and laziness. The master implies strongly that doing nothing is not "neutral"; rather, it is wicked and lazy (see Mt 25:26). According to the parable, when we give in to fear and allow it to paralyze us, we are lazy.
It takes diligence, effort, and prayer to overcome fear. Battling fear is hard work. The author of Hebrews tells us: "Do not grow lazy, but imitate those who, through faith and patience, are inheriting the promises" (Heb 6:12). We are to actively fight wickedness, laziness, and apathy.
Often we bury our fears to protect ourselves. Yet when we bury our fears, we may also be burying our talents "out of fear" (Mt 25:25). Are we living in fear? Beg the Lord for more love, since perfect love casts out all fear (1 Jn 4:18). Repent! Place your fears at the altar during Mass and present them to God.
Jesus says: "Fear is useless; what is needed is trust" (Mk 5:36). Don't bury your fears and thereby grow lazy. Give your fears to the Lord, and let Him fill you with the Holy Spirit's gift of fortitude.
| PRAYER: | Father, You are my refuge and strength. Therefore I shall not fear (Ps 46:2-3). |
| PROMISE: | "Come, share your Master's joy!" –Mt 25:21 |
| PRAISE: | Warren received the call to be a priest at age seven and held that call in his heart until he was old enough to live it out. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College